Poll: What will Van Gaal achieve in his first season at Manchester United?

By Alex Young

With title rivals strengthening by signing the likes of Diego Costa, Alexis Sanchez and Lazar Markovic, is winning the Premier League a feasible target for the Dutchman?

POLL

Louis van Gaal officially starts his job as Manchester United manager on Wednesday as he looks to drastically improve the club following their worst-ever showing in the Premier League under David Moyes.

United finished in seventh place a year after winning the title, with Moyes dismissed from his post after just 10 months in charge, and face a campaign without European football for the first time in 25 years.

VAN GAAL TO LAY DOWN THE LAW

Van Gaal has already made his mark at Old Trafford by sanctioning the signings of Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera in big-money deals, with the likes of Angel Di Maria and Arturo Vidal also on the club's radar.

With a massive overhaul of the squad set to gather pace ahead of the start of the new term on August 16, what can the manager expect to achieve in his first season in charge?

Title rivals Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City have already bolstered their ranks with the signings of Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa, Alexis Sanchez and Fernando, among others.

Liverpool may have lost talisman Luis Suarez, but recruiting the likes of Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic are positive steps in the right direction as Brendan Rodgers looks to make the most of his £70 million windfall.

Even the race for the Champions League places looks tougher than ever with Everton also performing well and the impressive Maurico Pochettino being appointed at Tottenham.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Could United be facing a slow transition season or will Van Gaal hold the key to taking down City? With the strength of competition in the Premier League, is a domestic cup a more feasible target?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section and have your say on our Twitter and Facebook pages.